Matthew 16:13-17:13

Peter's Confession of Christ

1. Review vs 13 of chapter 16

-Why would Jesus ask this? As the Son of God, wouldn't He already know this information?

2. In verse 14, the disciples tell Jesus that He was referred to as John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.

-Why didn't the disciples note any of the negative things that people called Jesus?

-How about in 2009? What do people claim Jesus to be? A prophet? A teacher? A good man?

-How about some of the negative things? 

Jesus then asked Peter who he thought Jesus was. Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." 

3. Review Jesus' response starting with verse 17

-Jesus advised Peter that this correct assessment was revealed to him by God. In what way?

-If you call Jesus, the Son of God, do you believe that this was revealed to you by God Himself? Why isn't He revealing this to everyone else in the world? Or, is He?

4. Review vs 19

-What does this mean?

-Was Peter the only person with this gift?

Jesus predicts His death

Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He would have to suffer a painful death and would raise again to life on the third day.

1. Review Peter's comments in verse 22 and Jesus' response in vs 23

-What was the sentiment behind Peter's comments?

-Why did Jesus refer to Peter in the way that He did in verse 23? Don't these comments contrast the ones spoken in verses 17 and 18?

2. Review vs 24- 28

-Do people really consider this cost when they decide to follow Christ?

Chapter 17

The Transfiguration

After six days, Jesus went up to a high mountain and He was transfigured before His Peter, James, and John. At that same time, Moses and Elijah appeared and started talking with Jesus.

1. What does "transfigured" mean? Can anybody do that?

2. Is there any significance behind why Jesus transfigured before these specific disciples? 

-Why not the entire group of 12? Or, everyone that followed Him, for that matter?

3. What role do Moses and Elijah play in these events?  

-Why not any two other men noted in the Bible- like Noah or Joshua, for instance?

-Is there any significance that these two men showed up during the transfiguration? 

4. Review vs 5

-Why did God say this? Was it for Jesus' benefit? For the disciples?

-Hadn't these disciples already determined that Jesus was worth listening to?

5. In verse 9, Jesus instructed the men not to tell anyone until after Jesus rose from the dead.

-Imagine you were one of the disciples on that mountain? Would you be able to keep these events to yourself?

-How would it affect your future ministry? How did it affect theirs?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 16:13- 17:13